I'm not really a party animal. In fact, usually, if I'm invited to a party of some sort or another, I try to find a good reason to graciously decline the invitation. It's not that I don't enjoy people, mind you. In general, they're fantastic. Like Will Rogers said, "I've never met a man I didn't like." I am thankful for all my good friends. Yep, I like people a lot -- but I dislike going to parties. (Although, if I get stuck and actually end up attending one, it usually turns out better than I imagined. In the car, on the way home, I've heard Cathy say more than once, "There now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" I reply with a mumble and grunt, because I know she's right. Still -- I'm not an eager party-goer, and seriously doubt if I will ever become one. Do you know what kind of party is the most common? Birthday? Graduation? Aniversary? You'll never guess! The party held most frequently is. . . The Pity Party! As a minis...
I had not realized until just recently how true this really is. I had been discussing with my pastor why more men do not step forward into leadership roles in the church. Leadership is tough, there is always the element of the unknown and along with that comes the possibility of failure. No one wants to fail, but for men I believe this can be a paralyzing fear. When a man is faced with the prospect of being out in front the thought of failure is enough to cause him to want to follow rather than lead.
ReplyDeleteIn light of this, I believe every church has an untapped resource of leaders, when given the tools of leadership, support and Biblical instruction; leadership can be turned into an adventure rather than fear. I believe the Lord has given me the desire and vision to lead the men’s fellowship in my church. We are starting out with a strong inner circle of leaders. This small group will meet to develop a purpose statement and study leadership techniques. However, our focus will be prayer, prayer for each other and prayer for those who will follow. What lies ahead I do not know, except the adventure begins!
We are out ahead , in the lead but we are not alone , from time to time I feel the inspiration of His Spirit and then again up ahead in the bend in the road or at the crest of the hill I see Him beckoning ,as if to say, “This is the way, walk you in it.”
In response to Gary, I think his views are true of women, teens, and children as well. There are many times when the fear of failure can be paralyzing - is this a human nature response? I think it is and it is one that can be overcome in trusting God's leading, being who he created us to be and being strong and courageous enough to be obedient to whatever He leads us to. After all, we have the power of the Holy Spirit with us!
ReplyDeleteDon't wait until the children become adults to train them in leadership. Some of them have that spiritual gift already and are looking how to use it. Where are they going to look if the church isn't showing them Biblical ways to lead? They are going to look to the world -
I am thankful that the leadership that is needed is found right here in our local church! That's just like God to equip us with the tools and the people to do what He has for us to do!